Segment Information Segment Revenue Reconciliation to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 351,604	$ 467,309	$ 961,880	$ 1,458,382
Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	280,680	372,370	760,663	1,175,098
Steel Manufacturing Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	70,924	94,939	201,217	283,284
Operating Segments | Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	306,851	410,269	829,628	1,313,014
Less: Intersegment revenues | Auto and Metals Recycling
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (26,171)	$ (37,899)	$ (68,965)	$ (137,916)